PSG Includes ACHRAF HAKIMI in Champions League Squad Despite Ongoing Rape Charges
Achraf Hakimi has been included in the Paris Saint-Germain squad to face Bayern Munich in the last 16 of the Champions League, despite a formal investigation by French prosecutors into a rape allegation against him.
The Moroccan footballer has been included in Christophe Galtier’s 22-man roster for Wednesday’s Allianz Arena match against the German champions.
A formal investigation was launched by French prosecutors last week, following allegations that Hakimi raped a woman at his home in the Paris suburbs last month.
A 24-year-old woman reported an incident to the police last month, but no charges were filed.
After Hakimi was questioned on Thursday, the investigation was subsequently initiated, and a pretrial judge is currently reviewing the case’s merits.
Hakimi’s attorney, Fanny Colin, has stated that the allegations are “false” and that he is the victim of “attempted racketeering.”
ALSO READ:
ALSO READ: PSG star Hakimi accused of rape after inviting woman home during a family holiday
Colin told L’Equipe: ‘After several hours of hearings, my conclusion is that the accuser has not filed a legal complaint, has refused to submit herself to any medical or psychological tests, and has refused to be confronted by Achraf Hakimi, despite the accusations resting solely on her words.’
According to the evidence in the possession of the judicial police, Mr. Hakimi appears to have been the target of an attempted racketeering scheme.
Hakimi’s inclusion in the PSG squad to face Bayern Munich in the last 16 of the Champions League coincides with Le Parisien’s report that the investigation does not prevent him from leaving the country.
As he recovers from a hamstring injury that kept him out of the French champions’ last three games, the fullback watched PSG’s 4-2 victory over Nantes on Saturday from the stands.
Wednesday, PSG will attempt to overcome a 1-0 deficit against Bayern to advance to the quarterfinals.
PSG issued a statement last week confirming their support for the fullback, stating, “The club supports the player, who has categorically denied the allegations and has faith in the justice system.” Paris Saint-Germain is a respected institution both on and off the field.
